Parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Smarhon had to enter the church through police security checkpoints on September 5, Katolik.life reported. The district’s “Dazhynki” harvest festival, combined with City Day celebrations, was held in the town that day.
Parishioners were warned in advance on Saturday morning about the arrangements for entering the church. The church is located in the centre of Smarhon, near the stage and venues where the festivities were held, so the area around the church was also cordoned off by police.
Photos published by the district newspaper “Svetly Shlyakh” show that events attended by district officials were held near the St. John Bosco Oratory, located next to the church.
Three services were held at the church on September 5. The evening service normally follows the Sunday schedule and attracts more parishioners. In addition, a First Saturday Mass was held that day, which is attended by many believers, the outlet noted.
In the morning, clergy from the Smarhon parish also took part in a rally titled “We Give Thanks for Peaceful Skies.”
